Sunday, May 5, 2013

Devils Lake - Oregon Coast Activity #24 of 101 Things to do on the Oregon Coast

Devils Lake - Oregon Coast Activity #24 of 101 Things to do on the Oregon Coast

Devils Lake

Devils Lake in Lincoln City, Oregon is a naturally shallow, coastal lake. It has the distinction of intersecting the 45th parallel, the mark half way between the equator and the North Pole. Another interesting thing to note is from it, flows the D River which is the world's shortest river which measure only 120 feet!Devils Lake has a lot of activities such as boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and many other water activities. If you're interested in renting any water sport activity, the Blue Heron Landing can accommodate all of your needs.You can download a Devils Lake Recreation Brochure HERE

Legend OF Devils Lake:
The following story is a compilation of information supplied by Chief William Depoe, who told the legend of Devils Lake during the second annual Grass Carp Festival in September of 1987. Legends, much like a good wine, almost always improve with age. Such is the case of the legend of Devils Lake.
The Siletz Indians were once fond of Indian Bay—or Devils Lake as it is now known—before it became inhabited with evil spirits. They hunted their game in the nearby forests and made their homes upon the scenic shores of the quiet lake. Their warriors, however, were lost to the evil spirits of the lake. As legend has it, members of the tribe used to meet on the shores of the lake during the moon of abundance to celebrate. Young braves would demonstrate feats of daring and strength to win the heart of the maiden of their choice.
As the legend continues, a certain chief Fleetfoot despaired of winning the heart of the maiden he had chosen. In order to impress his young love, he dispatched his braves in the canoes out on the calm waters of the lake. Yet tragedy was awaiting the braves. As the moonlight shone down upon the serene lake, legend says, the waters began to churn and bubble. Giant tentacles emerged from the chaotic waters and wrapped around the startled braves and their canoes pulling them down into the murky depths. "Legend has it that the lake is quick to turn bad towards people," Chief William Depoe said, "Like a giant snake, it can raise up and pull beneath its surface whatever might be traveling across."
In order to pacify the great devil so the Indians could resume their peaceful existence on the lake, the legend says, the Indians held great feasts and rituals on the shores of the lake. The drums vibrated and the voices of the Indian people echoed their melancholy beat until the dawn broke upon the horizon. At that time, the devil was said to rear its ugly head and then the sacrifice was made. It is unclear exactly what form this sacrifice took, whether it was maiden or beast, but the offering was the only method by which to satiate the hunger of the devil that inhabited the lake. "Legend has it that the lake could cause bad things to happen to people. To avoid that, the Indian people would offer valuables to the lake before crossing it," Chief Depoe said. "In that way, they showed respect to the power that it possesses."
The hunger of the spirit that inhabits the lake has long since been appeased, but the legend itself grows with each retelling and the mystery behind the lake’s name remains unsolved. Today, the legend maintains, that those who cross the waters in the moonlit chill of night will still feel a tingle of fear as they cross the center of the lake.